Sustainable Design Guide of the Japanese Institute of Architects (Foreword)

AUTHOR: Lovins, AmoryDOCUMENT ID: D96-03YEAR: 1996DOCUMENT TYPE: Book or Book ChapterPUBLISHER: Japanese Institute of Architects

In this chapter, Amory Lovins lays out some of RMI's core principles such as biomimicry and whole-systems design and applies them to Eastern and Western design practices. He describes traditional Eastern design principles and compares them to typical Western technological design. Lovins suggests that the best from Eastern tradition be combined with the best from Western technology to create ideal green spaces that are healthy for people as well as being energy efficient. According to Lovins, green design treats water, nutrients, and materials in a conscientious and careful way. Several actual examples of green design are described, from a large scale bank headquarters in Amsterdam to homes in California.